Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study
state governmental continuity in case of a disruption in
federal government operations.

Whereas, West Virginia is without a crisis management plan in
the event of an extreme nationwide political or economic crisis;
and

Whereas, The potential unraveling of the United States
government and economy may seem remote at this time, however, with
the national debt exceeding $15 trillion and protest movements
growing across the country, West Virginia needs to insure that its
residents are protected should any unexpected emergency hit the
United States; and

Whereas, West Virginia needs to be prepared for potential
catastrophes, from disruptions in food supply and energy supplies
to a potential loss of assistance from the federal government;
therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance to study state governmental continuity in
case of a disruption in federal government operations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance study potential impacts on the state and the people of West
Virginia in the event of a potential disruption of the United
States government including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Potential effects of the rapid decline of the U. S.
dollar;

(2) Potential effects of the federal government having no
effective power or authority over the population of the United
States;

(3) Potential effects of a constitutional crisis;

(4) Potential effects of a disruption in food distribution;
and

(5) Potential effects of a disruption in energy distribution;
and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance study preparation which may be required of the State of
West Virginia in the event of a disruption of the United States
government including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) Coordination between the Governor’s Office, the West
Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety and the
West Virginia National Guard;

(2) The ability to quickly provide a means of trade;

(3) The implementation of protective measures and raising of
a standing army; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2013, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.